High-risk groups are more likely to experience a surge in walking pneumonia, according to Dr. Marc Siegel.

The number of cases of "walking pneumonia" is increasing in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Young children have been mostly affected by the highly contagious infection, according to the source.

The percentage of cases among children aged 2 to 4 increased from 1% to 7.2% between March 31 and Oct. 5, while the percentage among those aged 5 to 17 grew from 3.6% to 7.4%, the agency announced.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle, discussed the important information about this condition on camera with Planet Chronicle Digital.

What is walking pneumonia?

A mild lung infection known as walking pneumonia is defined by Cleveland Clinic. It often feels like a bad cold or the flu.

The condition, typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or mold exposure, results in swelling in the airways and fluid accumulation in the lungs.

According to Siegel, walking pneumonia is less severe than a full lobar pneumonia, which occurs when an entire region of the lungs turns white due to a bacterial or viral infection.

"A patchy pneumonia that isn't caused by a specific pathogen in one region of the lung is commonly referred to as walking pneumonia."

Symptoms of the infection

Signs of atypical pneumonia may include the following, according to Cleveland Clinic.

• Sore throat
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Low-grade fever
• Mild chills
• Coughing (usually the longest-lasting symptom)
• Sneezing
• Headache

According to Siegel, the type of cough is a crucial distinguishing factor between traditional and walking pneumonia.

"If you have a traditional bacterial pneumonia, you will cough up green, brown, or dark yellow mucus," he stated.

"With walking pneumonia, it may be white mucus or no productive cough at all."

He observed that the condition did not result in the high fever associated with full pneumonia.

This less severe form of pneumonia allows you to walk around and perform daily activities.

Siegel stated that you are not carrying a large bacterial pneumonia with a high blood cell count, fever, and chest pain.

The doctor cautioned that even though it may seem less severe, this type of infection could still necessitate medical attention.

"A doctor who is not on the lookout for this could mistake it for a different kind of virus."

According to Siegel, the condition is easily overlooked because its symptoms are commonly misinterpreted as something else.

If a doctor fails to be vigilant, they may misidentify this condition as a different type of virus and overlook the possibility of atypical bacterial pneumonia, according to the source.

Causes of walking pneumonia

Mycoplasma is the primary bacteria that causes walking pneumonia, according to Siegel.

"This season is ideal for Mycoplasma, a unique bacterium that can be treated with specific antibiotics."

Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, can also result in walking pneumonia.

This year, there has been a significant increase in pertussis cases, particularly among young children, according to Siegel.

"My concern is that we're overlooking atypical bacteria that would go away a heck of a lot faster if we treated them with antibiotics."

He cautioned that Legionella, a bacterium that causes pneumonia, can spread through water or air conditioning systems.

Certain viruses, such as RSV, can also cause pneumonia.

Siegel pointed out that while flu typically doesn't lead to pneumonia, it can cause secondary pneumonia when combined with other infections, just like COVID-19.

The doctor stated that the reappearance of pneumonia-causing bacteria and viruses could be a consequence of the masking and lockdown measures implemented during the pandemic.

"In addition, we are not adequately vaccinated, and physicians are not vigilant enough. I urge them to be more attentive to atypical pneumonias."

Who is at highest risk?

Siegel expressed his greatest concern about young children acquiring these unusual bacteria, as they may not be able to fight them off due to their undeveloped lungs.

He expressed concern for the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, particularly those with lung illnesses such as asthma and emphysema, as they may not have the necessary reserves to fight off the virus.

If the walking pneumonia is caused by a virus, it may resolve without treatment, but it could take longer.

The doctor expressed concern that we are neglecting unusual bacteria that would clear up more quickly if treated with antibiotics.

"My main concern is about mycoplasma, legionella, and pertussis."

A physical exam, listening to the patient's lungs, running blood tests, and/or performing a chest X-ray can help a health care provider diagnose walking pneumonia, according to Cleveland Clinic.

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Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonias, while over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms of viral pneumonias.

In addition to experts' advice, it is also recommended to consume ample fluids, obtain sufficient rest, and maintain open airways through the use of a humidifier.